Final answer:
Annually, there are an estimated 3 million cases of pesticide poisoning globally, with the majority occurring in developing countries due to acute exposure. The risks range from acute to chronic health effects, affecting those in agriculture and related industries. Differences in exposure and regulatory systems between developed and developing countries contribute to the distribution of these poisonings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number of pesticide poisonings worldwide every year is estimated to be 3 million, with a significant number of these cases occurring in developing countries. Within these regions, acute pesticide poisoning is prevalent due to short-term, very high levels of exposure, often arising from a lack of safety precautions and understanding of the risks associated with extensive pesticide use. Conversely, in developed countries like Canada, strict regulations lead to fewer cases of acute poisoning, shifting concern to long-term, low-level exposure and its associated risks. For individuals such as agricultural workers, pesticide formulators, and manufacturers, long-term high-level exposure presents a serious health risk. This exposure primarily occurs in settings with poor ventilation, such as greenhouses, closed tractor cabs, or during aerial disinfection of aircraft. Retail workers and emergency responders are also at risk.
Pesticides are used extensively in various agricultural tasks to control pests and increase crop yield. However, pests have begun to evolve resistance, leading to environmental pollution, wildlife fatalities, and inadvertently harming beneficial species. Excessive usage of pesticides has been associated with a range of health issues, including chronic and acute health effects such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, leukemia, neurological symptoms, hematological disorders, and skin diseases.
Despite stricter regulations and application of pesticides in developed countries, the majority of poisoning cases occur in developing countries where regulatory systems are weaker. Harmful pesticides that are banned in industrialized countries are frequently used elsewhere, increasing the risk of overuse and mishandling.